Arkansas, the “Natural State,” Is a popular relocation area, partially due to the availability of the numerous outdoor activities at one’s fingertips in the varied and majestic natural landscapes abundant in the state. Of high interest to many newcomers and current residents are the 90,000 miles of waterways – “from the mighty Arkansas River to small creeks you can jump across.”
Unfortunately, the condition of these established natural creeks has been declining due to various human-executed encroachments such as damming, and industrial and agricultural pollution, to name a few activities.
To combat and prevent the deterioration and devastation of these natural jewels, Arkansas Game and Fish has established a Stream Habitat Program. This three-fold program is comprised of education, advocacy, and stewardship.
The Hot Springs Village Audubon Society would like to invite you to attend the Thursday, March 9, 2023, program, which features special guest speaker Matthew Irvin, West Central Arkansas Stream Habitat Coordinator for Arkansas Game and Fish. Irvin will share the history and future of the Stream Habitat program and explain “what we do and why we do it.” The general public and Audubon members are welcome to enjoy this 9:00 AM HSV Audubon-sponsored event at no charge.
About Matthew Irvin
According to the HSV Audubon website:
“Matthew Irvin has a B.S. in wildlife conservation and has ten years of wildlife management experience and more than 12 years of streambank stabilization, aquatic habitat improvement, barrier removal, and water quality education experience. He covers roughly a quarter of the state and has conducted projects on many rivers and streams in the Ouachita Mountains, Ozark Mountains, and Arkansas River Valley ecoregions.”
In summary:
Who: The Hot Springs Village Audubon Society presents Matthew Irvin, West Central Arkansas Stream Habitat Coordinator for Arkansas Game and Fish
What: “What we do and why we do it” – the history and future of the Arkansas Game and Fish Stream Habitat Program
When: Thursday, March 9, 2023, at 9:00 AM
Where: Coronado Community Center, 150 Ponderosa Lane, Hot Springs Village
Cost: No cost – Everyone is invited!
Who’s that bird?
Of additional interest, the HSV Audubon Society is also offering a four-week birding class beginning March 1. Details are in the flyer below. Click here for more information or to register. Questions? Call Vic at 501-209-9314.
Click here to visit the HSV Audubon website.
By Cheryl Dowden, Cover Image by Joe Dowden
